As many of you know, Kansas was awarded millions of dollars in emergency rental assistance funding. Most of that funding has been allocated to the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC). To date, KHRC has paid out over $73 million in emergency rental assistance through the Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA) program, but there are still millions of dollars left that can be used to stop people from being evicted.
Since the CDC eviction moratorium was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, evictions for nonpayment of rent have returned in full force. But, we can help tenants remain in their homes, and help landlords get compensated, by letting people know about the KERA program.
Here is what KERA can cover:
- Up to 15 months of current and past due household rent.
- Up to three months of prospective household rent at a time, even if the household does not have rental arrears.
- Past due residential utility or home energy expenses for tenants (electric, as, water, sewer, and trash services), even if the household does not have rental arrears.
- Past due or prospective internet expenses for tenants, paid in one lump sum of $750, provided the tenant household is also eligible to receive assistance for past-due rental or utility bills.
- Additional fees associated with past-due rent or utility bills may be covered, including: reasonable late fees, rental security deposits, application or screening fees, pet fees, utility fees, parking fees, garage fees, and/or legal fees.
Originally, KHRC required tenants to provide documentation of a COVID-19 hardship, that they were experiencing a risk of homelessness or housing instability, and that their income qualified for the program. But, with the latest round of funding, KHRC can now accept signed, self-attestations from tenants. However, Tenants will still need to provide documentation that they are a renter and proof of their identity.
Attached are KHRC’s KERA program guidelines, program FAQs, the income limits by county, tenant flyer, and landlord flyer. You can also find these documents, and others, on the KHRC website at https://kshousingcorp.org/emergency-rental-assistance/, in English, Spanish, Dari, and Pashto.
KERA Income Limits
Tenant Flyer – English
Landlord Flyer – English
KERA Program FAQs – English
